Pergola, Gable vineyards show performance in drought conditions - experts say

Chisinau, 25 September /MOLDPRES/- Table grape plantations on Pergola and Gable intensive support systems have demonstrated performance, recording high quality harvests of up to 35 tons of grapes per hectare. 

According to Andrei Botezatu, a specialist in the project of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) High-Value Agriculture in Moldova (USAID / APM), the Pergola support system allowed long-term maintenance of soil moisture and protection of grains from burns from rays and temperatures tall during the summer, ensuring the uniform formation and ripening of the berries, with an attractive appearance of the bunches. "As a result of the assessment of the situation of the winegrowers assisted by the USAID / APM project, this year 20-35 tons of grapes per hectare are harvested in the Pergola plantations, while in the classic vineyards 5-7 tons are harvested on average. "

Scott Hocklander, head of the USAID mission in Moldova, said he recently visited a farmer who managed to increase his grape harvest almost fourfold this dry year.“ The result is due to his involvement in the program initiated by the USAID / APM vineyard transit project from the vertical / traditional support model to the Pergola support model. At the same time, by investing in this modern technology, the manufacturer has managed to increase the quality of production, which has allowed it to reach EU trade networks.This producer, like other pioneers in the sector, can inspire and motivate other farmers willing to learn from the experience of advanced wine growers," he said.

USAID / APM specialists explain that in the conditions of climate change we are going through, intensive technologies for the production of table grapes are the most recommended, and the investments necessary to establish a vineyard on Pergola support system estimated at about 30 thousand euros per hectare are recovered in shorter time.

In recent years, several Moldovan grape growers have taken over this support system. Currently, table grape plantations grown on the Pergola and Gable system in Moldova have reached about 300 hectares, compared to six hectares certified four years ago. An increase in the area of table grape plantations on the intensive systems is due to the assistance of the USAID / APM project, as well as the subsidization of investments for the establishment of such plantations.

According to experts, due to the climatic conditions in 2020, the harvest of table grapes this year will be lower by about 40 percent, compared to last year's harvest.

Photo source: USAID